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#329497 02/06/03 02:46 PM
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1
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Please help, I am newly married (4) months and already feel like perhaps we made a mistake. My husband and I have been dating since highschool (9) years in total. When dating he had his friends and I had mine. He said things would change once we got married and he wouldn't spend as much time with his friends. However, he still goes out to the bars once a week and drinks with his primarily single buddies; last night he was out until 3:30am. This Friday he will be spending the night with his buddies up at a beach house, he thinks it's no big deal especially since a buddy is coming to town from New York. I just don't think this is how a husband should behave when he has a new bride waiting at home for him. I don't enjoy spending time with my friends as much as he does so often I am stuck home alone. Please advise-is this normal behavior for a husband and if not what do I do?

#329498 02/06/03 05:29 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 125
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I am so sorry to hear that this is happening to you so early in your marriage. Still, it's a blessing to see and know these things early. Basically, knowledge is power, and if you find a cancer early, it can be cured. There is hope.

As to your husband, yes, many young and immature spouses participate in this behavior. It is largely due to the fact that neither of you have any clear expectations as to what your marriage should be like, and because your expectations have likely not been communicated.

I would invite you to research all the material on this site. You'll find the key to finding love is to to give it wholeheartedly and expect little or nothing in return. It's work -- and marriages are about work.

You may wish to encourage your husband's outings (but ask that he keep them to once a week or so), and be VERY understanding that you're both undergoing a transition period. Read up on this site, and you'll see why I suggest this as a course of action. Men often view marriage as having to give their freedom, and if you push to hard for togetherness at this early stage, he'll likely want to stay out even more.

Basically, if you both came into the marriage expecting the other spouse to fulfill your needs without communicating them, both of you are doomed. If you both can shift your perspective to trying to meet your spouse's needs before your own (and yes, you may need to be leader on this at first) you'll have a long, prosperous relationship.

It's not really about the ages, although immaturity does play a role in things. It's about giving more than taking, and if you are able to do it -- doing the right thing brings happiness -- not the other way around.

Check on this site, and keep us updated on how things are going. Invite God into your relationship, and ask what he would want you to do. He'll never steer you wrong...

God Bless!

#329499 02/08/03 09:04 AM
Joined: Jan 2000
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I don't think that hanging out with buddies once a week is terrible in and of itself. Since you note he was out til 3:30 and that his buddies are single, are you concerned that they may be flirting, picking up girls, etc? If not, then I'm not sure I would consider it a big deal. Even married people need some outside friends.

However, whatever the reason, if his behavior makes you uncomfortable, he should take that into consideration.

Have you read the Basic Concepts (click on Concepts link at top of the page) and other info here? Especially note the POJA (Policy of Joint Agreement)...this is what should guide all your decision-making as a couple.

#329500 02/08/03 12:02 PM
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Posts: 28
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JUST A SUGGESTION. PLAN HOME ACTIVITIES, BBQUES ETC AND INVITE HIS BUDDIES,THAT WAY YOU GET TO KNOW THEM, AND THEY YOU.


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